On the Distribution of Particulates in Cast Metal Matrix Composites

This paper is concerned with the reporting of the distribution of particulates in the casts prepared from bulk ingots of metal matrix composites. Based on the actual determination of the volume fraction of particles (VFPs) in two different casts (mold) geometry (L and J shaped), effect of sharp corners and curvatures and the boundaries of the mold on the distribution of particles in the cast has been studied. It is observed that the actual distribution of volume fraction of particles varies quite significantly from one location of the cast to the other, depending on the actual cast geometry. Microhardness values are also measured and found to follow the same pattern of variation as the volume fraction of particles (VFPs).